ON / OFF HIRE Bunker Survey
An On-Hire or Off-Hire Bunker Survey is a critical part of the chartering process, providing an independent and accurate assessment of the quantity of fuel and lubricants on board a vessel at a specific moment in its commercial operation. These surveys are typically conducted immediately before the vessel is delivered into a time charter (on-hire) or just prior to its redelivery to the owner (off-hire), serving as a clear and documented reference point for bunker quantities.
The purpose of these surveys is to eliminate ambiguity and potential disputes between charterers and owners by establishing the exact quantity of fuel oils—including Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), Marine Diesel Oil (MDO), Marine Gas Oil (MGO), and Lubricants—present on board at the time of delivery or redelivery. Since fuel costs represent a significant portion of a vessel’s operational expenses, accurate bunker quantity determination is essential for financial settlement, contract compliance, and cost control.
At MCE Marine Surveyors B.V., our qualified and experienced marine surveyors perform On-Hire and Off-Hire Bunker Surveys in accordance with industry best practices and internationally recognized standards. The process typically includes:
- Inspection and measurement of each bunker tank using sounding or ullage methods
- Calculation of bunker volumes, corrected for temperature and density, to determine the precise quantity in metric tons or cubic meters
- Verification of fuel specifications based on Bunker Delivery Notes (BDNs), tank calibration tables, and historical consumption data
- Documentation of any discrepancies between declared and measured quantities
- Issuance of a detailed survey report, including measurements, calculations, and photographs for full transparency
These surveys may be conducted as standalone inspections or in combination with On-Hire / Off-Hire Condition Surveys, providing a full overview of both the physical condition and fuel status of the vessel at the time of charter delivery or redelivery.
By engaging an independent and impartial surveyor, such as MCE Marine Surveyors B.V., shipowners, charterers, and operators can be confident that the results are accurate, unbiased, and clearly documented. This reduces the risk of financial disputes, supports contractual integrity, and ensures that both parties are fairly represented in bunker-related matters.
Whether for a short-term spot charter or a long-term time charter, an accurate On-Hire / Off-Hire Bunker Survey is an essential tool for managing risk, controlling costs, and maintaining transparency in modern shipping operations.
We are proud to support our clients with responsive service, technical precision, and trusted reporting—ensuring that each charter transition is handled professionally, efficiently, and with full confidence in the results.
Get in contact
Do you need help with Bunker surveys? Fill out this form and we will contact you.